When those words left her lips, I froze.
Did she truly think I would agree so easily? The moment she realized she had spoken too boldly, she bit her lip and began to twirl her hair—an unconscious habit of hers. That small, nervous movement, the way her eyes darted away, made my chest tighten. Gods, she had no idea what she did to me.
She hurried to fix it. "If—if Rocco feels merciful and generous, of course…"
She glanced at me, hopeful.
An idea formed.
"Well," I said slowly, a teasing smile tugging at my lips, "there are ways to make that happen. We can compromise—if that's what you want, my dearest treasure." I turned to the others. "By tomorrow, you'll all know whether I choose mercy… depending on what Sienna agrees to."
I wanted her close. I wanted an excuse to keep her near.
Everyone's eyes turned to her, silently begging.
"I can compromise—no matter what it is!" she blurted out.
She didn't even hesitate. That was Sienna—deciding with her heart before her mind could catch up. Her kindness was reckless, beautiful, and dangerous all at once.
When we were finally alone, she stepped toward me, anxious and thoughtful. I watched her, fascinated by every flicker of doubt crossing her face. The truth was simple: whatever she asked of me, I would have given it.
"I'm sorry," she said softly. "I shouldn't have spoken for you. I don't know what you want in return, but… can we please help them? Mariner's Bay won't even feel the loss. And I'll replace everything. I promise."
I laughed. She frowned. "What's so funny? I'm serious."
"Sienna," I said gently, "that heart of yours is the purest thing in this world. No beast, no king, no creature thinks the way you do. You change everyone just by existing."
She narrowed her eyes. "If you think sweet-talking will work, it won't. Please, Rocco. Let's help them."
I gave in—not because of her words, but because of her. I ordered my people to give the Dypsorians what they needed: shelter, materials, protection. Treasure flowed out of Mariner's Bay like water.
And for the first time, giving felt richer than owning.
Dypsoria rose again. Silvo pledged loyalty, gratitude shining in his eyes. He admired Sienna openly—too openly. I disliked it. She noticed and corrected him at once, telling him to thank Eriu instead, the Goddess of Abundance. Silvo agreed, swearing to spread her name.
When they left, I thought Sienna would finally stay by my side.
I was wrong.
She chose the children, the workers, the wounded—anyone but me. I wanted to pull her back, claim her selfishly, but I couldn't. Her smile mattered more than my longing.
I waited.
That evening, as I rested beside the lagoon, she approached quietly.
"Rocco… are you mad?" she asked. "You haven't talked to me much. And—and about your wish… I never forgot."
I smiled. "I'm not angry. And you already granted my wish."
She blinked. "When?"
I pointed at her. "You. Being here. Being happy. That's all I want."
She hugged me—suddenly, tightly. She should have known what that did to me.
I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close. I embraced her back, my hands holding her tightly. I began to gently rub the small of her back, then kept exploring her whole. She gasped softly, and felt my resolve crack. As my fingers grazed her smooth skin, she hugged me tighter and rubbed her cheeks into mine. Every touch made her cry in pleasure, which made me even more aroused. Her curves, her flushed skin, her body is a wonderland I just love to discover.
She touched me, yet not the same way—her touch is gentle, reverent, as if I were something precious. No one had ever held me like that. It broke me in the best way.
When we finally lay still, I pulled her against my chest.
I had never known a bond like this. No treasure, no victory, no crown could compare.
After a long silence, she spoke. "Rocco… I have to go. I know you want me to stay, but I can't."
It hurt—but I understood.
"I know," I said quietly. "I'll wait. And when all this is over, I won't leave your side again."
Sending her away is agony—especially knowing where she goes next.
Of all my rivals, Gideon is the one I fear most.
If it were up to me, I'd never let her step into his land.
But loving her means letting her walk paths I hate.